SMU Mustangs

SMU wins Liberty bowl 21-14 over FAU

December 29, 2008

Game Report Posted: October 19, 2008 23:11  

This was SMU's first bowl game in 24 years, and fans were hoping for a win. It was close, but they delivered. Bob Smith is in Memphis with the game.

As the snow began to fall in Memorial Stadium, the players and the fans knew this would be a big game for the Mustangs of SMU.

In the first quarter, FAU started with the ball and had a few 1st downs but eventually turned over on downs. When SMU got the ball back, the first play for the offense was a 7 yard loss when Zach Rhodes was sacked. The offense would go three and out and punt back to FAU. This time FAU wouldn't disappoint and they got a TD by way of a 6 yard rush by Pierre. SMU got the ball back and was able to end the drive in a 20 yard field goal. FAU and SMU's next drives would stall, ending the quarter 7-3 FAU.

Starting the second quarter FAU had the ball and was able to finish off a nice drive started in the first with a 2 yard rush by Rose for the TD. SMU got the ball and immediately went 3 and out, and had to punt to FAU. FAU then went 3 and out themselves and punted back to SMU, who went 3 and out once again after 3 Rhodes incomplete passes. FAU would get the ball and drive down the field to the 6 yard line, where Leroy would miss an easy 23 yard FG. SMU got the ball back, but once again stalled and had to give the ball back. FAU got the ball back and went 3 and out and had to punt the ball back to SMU, who finally broke the habit of stalling and was able to pull within 12 by way of a 19 yard FG by Morstead as time expired in the 2nd. The score at the half was 14-6 FAU

The third quarter started and SMU got the ball. Then SMU started to show signs of life on offense. After a brilliant drive of short runs by HB Demyron Martin, SMU's 2 point conversion would fail. FAU got the ball back but fumbled on their second play giving the ball back to SMU as the quarter ended, leaving the score 14-12 SMU

The fourth quarter showed SMU having another great drive, again from runs from Martin. SMU's two point attempt would again fail. FAU got the ball back but their drive would stall after 5 plays and SMU got the ball back. Martin started to look like he would have another great drive but after two carries he strained his pectoral and would have to go out of the game for the day. Backup Mapps wasn't able to have the same success and SMU had to settle for a 50 yard FG by Morstead. FAU got the ball back with 1:37 left and on their own 27. They were never able to get anything going and an interception by Brian McCann sealed off the game 21-14 SMU.

It was a great season for SMU and they're hoping Coach Jacob Roberts can come back next year.